Ryan Larson

The man accused of murdering a Cold Spring officer in 2012 has been cleared of any charges. Authorities say evidence shows a second suspect, who committed suicide before being questioned, would have been arrested in the officer’s death.

Now that Eric Thomes, who authorities describe as a “person of interest” in the murder of officer Tom Decker, is dead we may never know exactly what happened Nov. 29 outside Winners Bar in Cold Spring, Minn. For officer Decker’s family, his friends, and for the people of Cold Spring — there will likely always be questions.

When Ryan Larson, the man who was arrested and then released after a Cold Spring officer was killed, returned to his apartment for the first time since being named a suspect, he said he was shocked at what he found.

When 34-year-old Ryan Michael Larson was released from custody, Stearns County officials said they lacked evidence of probable cause. At that moment, the Nov. 29 killing of Cold Spring police officer Thomas Decker became an even more troubling mystery. If Larson wasn’t responsible for the cold-blooded killing, who was?

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Ryan Larson remains a suspect in the case of a fallen Cold Spring police officer. On Tuesday, he was released from custody because of a lack of evidence.

Members of the public who wish to honor Cold Spring Officer Tom Decker are being encouraged to pay respects along a procession route Wednesday morning. Up to 2,000 officers from around the country could attend Decker’s funeral.